A Poole family has been left heartbroken after their pet dog was stolen from outside a DIY store.

Lynn Taylor’s brown toy poodle Coco was taken from outside Homebase at Yarrow Road, Poole, while she and husband Dave visited the store between 2.30 and 3pm on Saturday.

The couple, from Canford Heath, scoured the area and now believe their 18-month old pet, which they’d had from a puppy, was taken.

Lynn, 50, said she hadn’t been able to bring herself to tell her grandchildren what had happened.

She added: “He’s part of the family – the house is empty without him. It’s not knowing if he’s OK – if he’s being fed and looked after.

We just miss him and want him back.”

She urged those with the dog to take him to the police station or vet, or anywhere where he would be found. He has been microchipped.

PC Tom Isaac of the Gravel Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “A witness saw a young boy – who was with two young girls – leading the dog away by its blue harness and I’m keen to speak with the boy and anyone who knows him.”

The boy is white, between 11 and 14 years of age, of medium build with very dark brown or black hair.

He was wearing a white jumper with horizontal stripes of either navy blue or black.

PC Isaac urged anyone with information to come forward, adding: “It may be that someone has come into possession of a chocolate brown toy poodle dog since last Saturday in circumstances that may have seemed innocent at the time.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 22 22 22.